Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners

This series of 32
prints was published by Tsunashima Kamekichi in 1888. It depicts
a chronological survey from the Kansei era (1789-1800) to the Meiji
era (1860-1912) of women of different backgrounds and occupations,
each associated with a particular mood or character trait. The word
for 'Aspect' or 'Type' or 'Appearance' (sô) had been
famously used by earlier artists such as Utamaro and Kunisada. It
was a technical term borrowed from physiognomists who analysed character
on the basis of physical facial features. It could also mean 'flower',
referring to bijin (female beauties).